Information for foreign workers hired for employment in Switzerland

Admission of foreign workers to an employer in Switzerland is subject to authorisations. The employer takes in principle the necessary steps with the competent cantonal authorities in Switzerland to obtain the required authorisations.

The entry visa is granted only when the requested authorisations have been delivered.

In case of employment at an official international organization, the future employer in Switzerland will request the issuing of a FDFA legitimation card through the Swiss permanent mission in Geneva. The FDFA legitimation card replaces the Swiss residence permit. 

Procedure after applicant has received the approval of the cantonal migration authority

_{The following documents are in general required when applying for an entry visa for work in Switzerland:}

• authorization issued by the cantonal authority (original or copy)
• valid passport (original)
• copy of the data page passport
• two recent photographs
• visa fee
• Pre-paid, self-addressed return envelope with tracking number

Information for employers in Switzerland

The employer in Switzerland who intends to hire foreign workers refers to the information about work permits and the necessary steps to take with the competent cantonal authorities on the webpages of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

SEM – Labour/Work permits

SEM – Cantonal immigration and labour market authorities